News/ Industry/ Kia Establishes First EV-Only Manufacturing Plant

Kia Establishes First EV-Only Manufacturing Plant

Kia Corporation has established their first EV only plant called the  Kia Gwangmyeong EVO. This is the first EV only plant not only by Kia, but also by the Hyundai Motor Group as a whole. The plant, situated within Kia Autoland Gwangmyeong, spans 60,000 square meters and has an annual production capacity of 150,000 electric vehicles. It was established with an investment of ₹2,559.32 crore (KRW 401.6 billion) to manufacture Kia's upcoming EV models.

What Kia VC Said 

Jun Young Choi, Executive Vice President and Head of the Domestic Production Division at Kia, during a welcoming speech at the event, said “The completion of the Kia Gwangmyeong EVO Plant solidifies Kia’s first step as an EV leader following the company’s brand relaunch in 2021. With the goal of providing sustainable mobility solutions, we will lead innovation in the EV market and fulfil our responsibilities in helping to deliver a sustainable future."

Kia EV Portfolio 

Kia’s electric vehicle (EV) portfolio has rapidly expanded as the company aims to establish itself in the EV market. The brand’s first all-electric offering, the 
Kia EV6, was launched in 2021, marking a significant step in Kia’s transition toward sustainable mobility. Built on Hyundai Motor Group's Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV6 is a stylish crossover SUV with a range of up to 528 km on a single charge and is available in multiple powertrain configurations, including rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

Following the success of the EV6, Kia introduced the EV9, a flagship three-row all-electric SUV, set to launch globally in 2023, including its entry into the Indian market by October. The EV9 is designed to be the cornerstone of Kia’s electrification strategy, offering robust performance, spacious interiors, and advanced tech features, positioning it as a luxury electric SUV.

The upcoming Kia EV3, a smaller, all-electric SUV, has already entered production in 2024, catering to the growing demand for compact and affordable electric SUVs. Alongside this, Kia plans to release the EV4, a mid-sized electric sedan, in the first half of 2025, adding further variety to its EV lineup. The EV4 is expected to blend stylish design with advanced battery technology, targeting the mid-tier segment of the EV market.

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TopGear Magazine October 2024